Roberto Garza has played virtually his entire career without major elements of his knees and missed his only two games of the last eight years when he had in-season knee surgery in 2010.
Offensive linemen dont get a lot of recognition that doesnt involve citations for false-start or holding penalties. But Garza, who was named this season to his first Pro Bowl, also has gotten a nomination to USA Todays All-Joe Team, a designation that goes to players whove done outstanding work with little recognition.
Defensive tackle Henry Melton also tops the list at his position, but for a different reason. Melton has come back from a rookie season on IR to be a force as a pass rusher. And this former longhorn can run like a deer. Why? Because he used to play running back at Texas. Now this 295-pounder rushes quarterbacks to the tune of seven sacks in 2011.
The award was created by Larry Weisman, formerly USA Todays NFL guy, who named it after Joe Phillips, a Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle. Remember him?
Exactly the point.